Amanpour May Jump to ABC

Amanpour looks at jump to ABC

By Michael Starr

Last Updated: 2:40 AM, March 16, 2010
Posted: 1:45 AM, March 16, 2010

CNN's Christiane Amanpour could be jumping to ABC News.

Amanpour, arguably CNN's biggest star, has reportedly been offered the hosting gig on "This Week" -- and is considering taking the job, according to a report on mediabistro.com.

The job's been open since former host George Stephanopoulos replaced Diane Sawyer on "Good Morning America."

Amanpour, known for her reporting as a foreign correspondent, has told CNN colleagues it's a "50/50" chance she'll take the ABC job, according to the report.

She's expected to make a decision within a few days.

Insiders say that if she does take the job, Amanpour will leave CNN for good -- unlike colleague Anderson Cooper, who appears on CBS' "60 Minutes" and often co-hosts the syndicated "Live with Regis & Kelly."

Amanpour's departure would leave a gaping hole in CNN's lineup, with the network already struggling for prime-time viewers behind Fox News Channel and MSNBC.

ABC has used a rotating roster of guests hosts on "This Week," including Barbara Walters, since Stephanopoulos' departure.

"We will announce something when we have something to announce," an ABC News spokeswoman said in a statement.

CNN officials declined to comment yesterday.